Masterpieces of the Mineral World: Treasures from the Houston Museum of Natural Science |  | Authors: Wendell E. Wilson, Joel A. Bartsch, Mark Mauthner
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Category: Book
List Price: $75.00
Buy New: $38.23
as of 9/5/2010 09:40 CDT details
You Save: $36.77 (49%)
New (15) Used (7) Collectible (2) from $37.46
Seller: Maherbooks
Rating:  3 reviews
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 264
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4.4
Dimensions (in): 12.9 x 9.5 x 1.3
ISBN: 0810967510
Dewey Decimal Number: 549.074
EAN: 9780810967519
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Similar Items:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The collection of natural mineral crystals housed at the Houston Museum of Natural Science is the finest and best known in the world. Now the treasures of this singular collection are shown in resplendent photographs that will seduce both the connoisseur of beauty and the student of natural history.
The spectacular and rare specimens on display here, from a huge imperial topaz crystal weighing more than 2,000 carats to a crystallized gold cluster that is one of the most highly coveted objects in the mineral kingdom, are true masterpieces, the Rembrandts and Picassos of the natural world. Like fine art, minerals are prized for their aesthetic qualities-color, luster, sculptural composition-and for their provenance. Avidly pursued by naturalists throughout the centuries, precious metals and gem crystals have a fascinating history. Stories regarding the pursuit and discovery of these precious natural objects, including tales of good luck and hardship, are related in these pages. Essays that explore connoisseurship in the mineral kingdom and chronicle the history of this noble pursuit add to the appeal of this unique volume. AUTHOR BIO: Wendell E. Wilson is editor and publisher of The Mineralogical Record. Joel A. Bartsch is curator of gems and minerals at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
|
| Customer Reviews:
Masterpieces of the Mineral World January 11, 2007
Joel D. Cohen (San Bruno, Ca. United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Excellent detail and photography. Very good section on attributes of mineral specimens, locations,and collections through the centuries.A wonderful table top book for everyone to enjoy.
a treasury of great specimens March 16, 2007
E. Faller (Connecticut, USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The specimens shown in this book from the Houston Museum are truly the top of their class. This is a coffee-table book for the mineral collector, and only falls short of a visit to the museum itself.
Masterpieces is a masterpiece December 26, 2004
J. Johnson
7 out of 10 found this review helpful
Minerals and crystals are among the most beautiful objects on the planet. Their sculptural shapes and intense colors can be mesmerizing. Amazingly these specimens haven't been "enhanced" by cutting or polishing. They are as God made them. These magnificent photographs of the world's greatest collection capture their beauty as well as any book I've ever seen.
|
|
|
|
